How Does Centripetal Force Affect the Tension in a Whirling Rock on a String?

In summary, the situation described involves holding a string with a rock at the end and whirling it above your head, resulting in an angle between the string and the vertical. The vertical and horizontal components of tension can be calculated using Ft*cosX and Ft*sinX, respectively. The sum of forces in this situation is equal to the centripetal force, which is equal to the mass times the velocity squared divided by the radius. When calculating the horizontal component of tension, it is important to only consider the horizontal forces as the vertical component balances with gravity. Both the original speaker and the Apphysicist agree on this explanation.
  • #1
rickkwa
3
0
The situation is like this,
You're holding a string with a rock at the end of it. You hold the string above your head and whirl the string. It's going to make an angle with the vertical, so its not 90 degrees.

So if I break it into components,
Ft (tension) * cosX will be the vertical component
Ft * sinX will be the horizontal component

Sigma F = MAc
= (M*V^2) / R

Does this calculate Ft or Ft*sinX (horizontal component)?
 
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  • #2
Only Ft*sinX. In the horizontal circle (draw it in, why not?), the only component of your forces is the horizontal component of tension. Assuming it is not falling or moving up, the vertical component of tension balances with gravity.
 
  • #3
Totally agree with Apphysicist
 

FAQ: How Does Centripetal Force Affect the Tension in a Whirling Rock on a String?

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, pulling it towards the center of the circle. It is required to keep the object moving in a circular path instead of moving in a straight line.

What is the formula for calculating centripetal force?

The formula for calculating centripetal force is Fc = mv^2/r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is its velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

What is the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force?

Centripetal force is the force that pulls an object towards the center of the circular path, while centrifugal force is the outward force that appears to act on the object due to its inertia. Centrifugal force is not a real force, but rather an apparent force that arises due to the reference frame of the observer.

How does the magnitude of centripetal force change with the speed of the object?

The magnitude of centripetal force increases as the speed of the object increases. This is because as the speed increases, the object's velocity increases, and according to the formula Fc = mv^2/r, the force required to keep the object moving in a circular path also increases.

What are some real-life examples of centripetal force?

Some common examples of centripetal force include the force that keeps a satellite in orbit around the Earth, the force that keeps a car on a curved road, and the force that keeps water in a bucket when it is swung in a circular motion.

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